Office Chair

polly123

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to find information about the best chair for my desk at work. I currently have the general one on wheels, with a fixed back, and use a cushion to keep me upright. Work have offered to purchase something, as I'm finding that when at my desk for longer periods my back really aches.
I don't sit for extended periods, maybe an hour at most at a time, but some days i'm there more than not - if you know what I mean?

Does anyone have any suggestions?
Has anyone used those mesh back-rests that you can purchase in argos?

For info, I have PsA an OA, including slipped discs at the bottom of my spine. Both arthritis's are wide-spread

Thanks, Polly

stickywicket

I can't really help, Polly, as I don't have much back trouble but I wonder if it might be worth your posting this also on LWA as, even though many of us aren't in paid work, a lot do use computer chairs at home and might have something to contribute. I hope you find something suitable.

polly123

Thanks Sticky, I'll do that
Hope life is treating you gently, Polly

klara007

This is very useful to me! Thank you!

Julie37927

The best tip I can offer is to have an occupational therapist or ergonomics specialist come and assess you and your workstation. If that is out of the question here are some ideas to help. Your chair is a really important part of your work, as you probably sit in it 6-8 hours per day. Here are some points to consider for your chair:
1. the chair should be the right height compared to your desk and your height
2. the arm rests (if any) are the right height and should be adjustable,
3. your keyboard should be also the right height in relation to your body
4. your lumbar spine (lower back) needs firm support (try a lumbar pillow),
5. you have a foot stool to rest and raise your feet (this takes pressure off your lower spine),
6. maintain a good upper body posture (no slouching).

A few quick tips for good posture sitting at a desk: your fore arms (resting on your keyboard) and upper legs should be parallel with the floor, your head should sit on top of your shoulders (not in front), you should be looking straight ahead at your computer screen (not down or up or sideways), and you should always get up and move around (stretch) at least once an hour. Our bodies were not meant for sitting for long periods and not moving. Hope all this helps.

dibdab

When I was still working (retired early last year ) school requested an Occ Health referral for me, the Occ Health assessor made lots of really useful suggestions, including a new chair with arms and good lumber support- it really helped. On the plus side the school were able to claim some financial support with purchasing the equipment, though they did have to foot some of the cost too.

Deb x

GraceB

Polly,
Occupational Health got involved with me and I now have a fully adjustable spinal support chair, with lumbar support and memory foam bits in it. It's adjustable every which way you can imagine.
It was below the amount my employers were happy to pay; if it had been over then I was told that Access to Work would part-fund it.
I'd start with talking to your Line Manager, requesting an Occupational Health appointment and an official desk assessment by a trained assessor. Then go from there.
Good luck with this, don't give up and track all your requests to your line manager. You may also want to keep some kind of a diary re symptoms when you are at work versus symptoms when you are at home. That may well show that the chair you are currently using is making things worse.
Oh - word to the wise. If you are given a specialist chair, make sure that it's adjusted properly to suit you by someone who knows what they are doing, and label it so that everyone knows not to touch it at all under pain of death.
Hope this helps.
GraceB